In a major development, India is planning to buy 26 Rafale fighter aircraft and three Scorpene class conventional submarines from France.
The sources have revealed to ANI that a proposal has been placed before the Defence Ministry by the defence forces. The announcement of the same is likely to made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming France visit this week.
As per the proposals, the Indian Navy will get 22 single-seat Rafale Marine aircraft along with four trainer aircraft.
The Navy had been pressing for acquiring these fighter jets and submarines as they have been facing a shortage in view of the security challenges around the country.
Rafales is required for operations on both aircraft carriers – INS Vikramaditya and Vikrant – which are currently operating the MiG-29s.
Meanwhile, the three Scorpene class submarines would be acquired under the repeat clause by the Navy as part of Project 75 where they would be locally built in Mazagaon Dockyards Limited in Mumbai.
As per the latest updates, the deal is estimated to be worth Rs 90,000 crore. However, the final amount will be decided after negotiations, which will take place after the deal is announced.